How do I copy and paste publisher doc into a different program

Copy each Publisher page into Word separately; Publisher cannot convert an entire publication—with all text, graphics, and layout—into Word in one operation.

Copy editable content into Word

1. Open the publication in Publisher.
2. Click a blank area of the page or the scratch area outside it.
3. Press Ctrl+A to select all objects on that page.
4. Right-click the selection and choose Copy.
5. Open Word and create or open a document.
6. Right-click the destination page and choose Paste.
7. Repeat for each Publisher page.

This method preserves formatting and text styles and should leave pasted text and objects editable. A multipage publication must be transferred one page at a time. If the Publisher page uses linked text boxes that flow onto another page, copy the individual text boxes or pages separately; otherwise, some text might not paste. You may also need to adjust Layout > Orientation and Layout > Margins in Word. ^1^

For several objects, group them before copying:

1. Drag a selection box around the objects.
2. Select Drawing Tools Format or Picture Tools Format.
3. Select Group, then copy the group.

If preserving the appearance matters most

Save each Publisher page as a picture, then insert it into Word or PowerPoint:

1. In Publisher, select File > Save As.
2. Choose PNG or JPEG as the file type.
3. If Change is available, choose High quality printing or commercial press (300 dpi).
4. Save the page.
5. In Word or PowerPoint, select Insert > Pictures, then select the saved image.
6. Repeat for the remaining pages.

This retains the page’s visual layout, but its text and individual objects will not be editable. It is particularly suitable for complex layouts, tables, calendars, or pages that only need to be displayed or printed. ^1^

If you need editable Word files for long-term use

Microsoft’s current migration method is:

1. In Publisher, open the .pub file.
2. Select File > Save As.
3. Choose PDF, then save.
4. In Word, select File > Open.
5. Select the PDF and choose OK when Word asks to convert it.

The result is optimized for editing text, but complex graphics and page layouts may shift. ^2^

There is no direct Save As PowerPoint conversion for Publisher files. For PowerPoint, the dependable preservation method is therefore to save Publisher pages as pictures and place one picture on each slide; recreate only the elements that must remain editable. ^3^

Microsoft recommends converting existing Publisher files before October 2026. Microsoft 365 subscribers will then lose access to Publisher, although perpetual Publisher installations have different post-retirement availability. ^2^

References

1. Save a publication as a Word document | Microsoft Support
2. Microsoft Publisher will no longer be supported after October 2026 | Microsoft Support
3. MICROSOFT PUBLISHER REPLACEMENT - Microsoft Q&A